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DEDICATED
TO A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Meet the Team
Chris Bailey
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Chris has been an innovator in structured finance for solar energy since 2007, leading M&A transactions and developing financial products across public and private equity financings. Chris led capital markets at TerraForm Power, where he was responsible for raising over $3 billion associated with the IPO and follow on transactions. Prior to TerraForm, Chris led SunEdison’s North America structured finance activities where he oversaw over $5 billion of project financings. Chris was later a co-founder and CFO of PowerScout, a marketplace for smart home purchase decisions around sustainable energy products. Chris has a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Chris has been an innovator in structured finance for solar energy since 2007, leading M&A transactions and developing financial products across public and private equity financings. Chris led capital markets at TerraForm Power, where he was responsible for raising over $3 billion associated with the IPO and follow on transactions. Prior to TerraForm, Chris led SunEdison’s North America structured finance activities where he oversaw over $5 billion of project financings. Chris was later a co-founder and CFO of PowerScout, a marketplace for smart home purchase decisions around sustainable energy products. Chris has a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Ryan Bennett
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ryan has over 20 years of experience in solar, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage development and investing. Prior to founding 38 Degrees North, Ryan led project finance and capital formation for SunEdison's North American region. Ryan has previously held various development and investing positions in wind energy with Enron Wind, which was later sold to General Electric; Greenrock Capital, an early investor in solar opportunities; and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, a utility scale solar project developer that was acquired by SunEdison. Ryan has a B.A. in Geology from Colorado College and an M.B.A. and M.E.M. from Yale University.
Ryan has over 20 years of experience in solar, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage development and investing. Prior to founding 38 Degrees North, Ryan led project finance and capital formation for SunEdison's North American region. Ryan has previously held various development and investing positions in wind energy with Enron Wind, which was later sold to General Electric; Greenrock Capital, an early investor in solar opportunities; and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, a utility scale solar project developer that was acquired by SunEdison. Ryan has a B.A. in Geology from Colorado College and an M.B.A. and M.E.M. from Yale University.
Jake Carney
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jake has been an energy and finance professional since 2007. He was previously the Director and Head of C&I structured finance at SunEdison where he led approximately $650 million in C&I and $250 million in residential project financings. Prior to his time at SunEdison, Jake held roles in structured finance and project development in the wholesale and C&I market segments at BrightSource Energy, Agile Energy and Tioga Energy. Prior to his time in solar, Jake worked at Accenture as a management consultant to electric utilities and oil and gas companies. Jake has a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Jake has been an energy and finance professional since 2007. He was previously the Director and Head of C&I structured finance at SunEdison where he led approximately $650 million in C&I and $250 million in residential project financings. Prior to his time at SunEdison, Jake held roles in structured finance and project development in the wholesale and C&I market segments at BrightSource Energy, Agile Energy and Tioga Energy. Prior to his time in solar, Jake worked at Accenture as a management consultant to electric utilities and oil and gas companies. Jake has a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Garrett Colvin
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Garrett began his career in renewable energy in 2011 with Astrum Solar, which later sold to Direct Energy. Since then, he has held multiple sales, sales management and project development positions within the industry, including Tesla, BlueWave, and SolarFlair. Most recently, Garrett led project origination and portfolio acquisition efforts at Valta Energy, where he built out a pipeline of solar and storage assets of over 200 MW in 12 months. Garrett holds a B.A. in Construction Technology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts and a MS in Construction Management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Garrett began his career in renewable energy in 2011 with Astrum Solar, which later sold to Direct Energy. Since then, he has held multiple sales, sales management and project development positions within the industry, including Tesla, BlueWave, and SolarFlair. Most recently, Garrett led project origination and portfolio acquisition efforts at Valta Energy, where he built out a pipeline of solar and storage assets of over 200 MW in 12 months. Garrett holds a B.A. in Construction Technology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts and a MS in Construction Management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Todd Daily
VICE PRESIDENT ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
Todd has been an accounting and finance professional since 2011. He started his career in public accounting providing consulting and assurance services. After his experience in public accounting, Todd served as a Controller in both private and publicly traded construction and engineering firms. Most recently, Todd was a Controller, Sr. Director of Accounting at PowerFlex, a leading distributed energy developer and EPC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from UC Santa Barbara and a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University. Todd has been a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California since 2013.
Todd has been an accounting and finance professional since 2011. He started his career in public accounting providing consulting and assurance services. After his experience in public accounting, Todd served as a Controller in both private and publicly traded construction and engineering firms. Most recently, Todd was a Controller, Sr. Director of Accounting at PowerFlex, a leading distributed energy developer and EPC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from UC Santa Barbara and a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University. Todd has been a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California since 2013.
Colleen DeBenedetto
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Colleen began her career as a land use regulator before spending a few decades in traditional land development and political consulting. In 2015 she transitioned to the renewable energy sector. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Colleen held development positions in renewables with Clean Energy Collective, Green Development LLC, Vanguard Renewables, Centrica, and Valta Energy. She focuses her development efforts on real estate, land use entitlements, strategic environmental matters, stakeholder engagement and consensus building. Colleen holds a BS in Environment and Life Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Urban Affairs from Boston University.
Colleen began her career as a land use regulator before spending a few decades in traditional land development and political consulting. In 2015 she transitioned to the renewable energy sector. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Colleen held development positions in renewables with Clean Energy Collective, Green Development LLC, Vanguard Renewables, Centrica, and Valta Energy. She focuses her development efforts on real estate, land use entitlements, strategic environmental matters, stakeholder engagement and consensus building. Colleen holds a BS in Environment and Life Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Urban Affairs from Boston University.
Aaron Hills
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Aaron’s 16 years of experience in the renewable energy industry have been focused on deployment of renewable technologies at distributed generation and utility scales, enabling participation in capacity and other related merchant markets, driving other forms of demand-side savings, and managing energy infrastructure. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Aaron was Vice President of Development at Valta Energy, leading the origination, acquisition, development, and investment of over $500mm in clean energy assets throughout North America. Aaron has previously served in a variety of development and engineering management roles with ENGIE North America, UTC Power, and IMCORP. Aaron graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a MBA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.
Aaron’s 16 years of experience in the renewable energy industry have been focused on deployment of renewable technologies at distributed generation and utility scales, enabling participation in capacity and other related merchant markets, driving other forms of demand-side savings, and managing energy infrastructure. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Aaron was Vice President of Development at Valta Energy, leading the origination, acquisition, development, and investment of over $500mm in clean energy assets throughout North America. Aaron has previously served in a variety of development and engineering management roles with ENGIE North America, UTC Power, and IMCORP. Aaron graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a MBA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.
Tom Hockin
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Tom has 15 years of experience in renewable energy development. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Tom led market development at AMP Robotics, an AI platform for advanced recycling and origination for Brightmark’s plastic to fuel technology. Prior to Brightmark, Tom led solar development for Northland Power in the US, Canada and Mexico, with responsibility for over 260 MW solar projects in operation. Tom has B.A. in English from Huron University and an M.B.A., International Business, from Georgia State University.
Tom has 15 years of experience in renewable energy development. Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Tom led market development at AMP Robotics, an AI platform for advanced recycling and origination for Brightmark’s plastic to fuel technology. Prior to Brightmark, Tom led solar development for Northland Power in the US, Canada and Mexico, with responsibility for over 260 MW solar projects in operation. Tom has B.A. in English from Huron University and an M.B.A., International Business, from Georgia State University.
Ryan MacDonald
VICE PRESIDENT
Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Ryan was an Associate at Silicon Valley Bank on both the Venture Debt Credit Solutions and the Project Finance teams. On the Project Finance team, Ryan focused on financing utility scale, residential, and community solar transactions, and participated in financing approximately 1.5GW of transactions. Before joining Silicon Valley Bank, Ryan graduated from the University of Denver honors program as a double major in Finance / International Business with a distinction in Finance, for which he completed a capstone thesis on entrepreneurship.
Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Ryan was an Associate at Silicon Valley Bank on both the Venture Debt Credit Solutions and the Project Finance teams. On the Project Finance team, Ryan focused on financing utility scale, residential, and community solar transactions, and participated in financing approximately 1.5GW of transactions. Before joining Silicon Valley Bank, Ryan graduated from the University of Denver honors program as a double major in Finance / International Business with a distinction in Finance, for which he completed a capstone thesis on entrepreneurship.
Ryan Mikkelsen
ASSOCIATE
Ryan joined 38 Degrees North after getting his MBA at the Yale School of Management, where he focused on climate tech and project finance. Prior to Yale, he worked at Analysis Group, an economic, financial, and strategy consulting firm, where he led complex analyses across a range of industries, including utility disputes and microgrid investments in emerging economies. More recently, Ryan worked as an Associate on the project finance team at Aspen Power, a distributed energy generation platform. He has an B.A. in Economics and International Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.A. in Economics from the Yenching Academy at Peking University.
Ryan joined 38 Degrees North after getting his MBA at the Yale School of Management, where he focused on climate tech and project finance. Prior to Yale, he worked at Analysis Group, an economic, financial, and strategy consulting firm, where he led complex analyses across a range of industries, including utility disputes and microgrid investments in emerging economies. More recently, Ryan worked as an Associate on the project finance team at Aspen Power, a distributed energy generation platform. He has an B.A. in Economics and International Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.A. in Economics from the Yenching Academy at Peking University.
Julia Ng
ASSOCIATE
Julia joined 38 Degrees North after graduating with her M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas. Prior to 38 Degrees North, Julia was a Business Strategy Manager with Accenture, advising clients across the energy value chain on operational excellence, digital transformation and growth strategy. More recently, she supported climate investments at Valo Ventures and Vidavo Ventures, both climate venture capital firms. Julia has also consulted for several early-stage startups including M2X Energy, a gas-to-methanol company, and UrbanFootprint, a climate resilience decision intelligence platform, in support of fundraising and go-to-market efforts. She holds a B.A. in Cognitive Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience from Rice University and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Julia joined 38 Degrees North after graduating with her M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas. Prior to 38 Degrees North, Julia was a Business Strategy Manager with Accenture, advising clients across the energy value chain on operational excellence, digital transformation and growth strategy. More recently, she supported climate investments at Valo Ventures and Vidavo Ventures, both climate venture capital firms. Julia has also consulted for several early-stage startups including M2X Energy, a gas-to-methanol company, and UrbanFootprint, a climate resilience decision intelligence platform, in support of fundraising and go-to-market efforts. She holds a B.A. in Cognitive Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience from Rice University and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Eric Restic
ANALYST
Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Eric was an Investment Banking Analyst at Salem Partners where he performed sell-side M&A work across the industrial, real estate, and media sectors. Before that, Eric was an Associate in the alternative investments division of KPMG’s audit practice in Los Angeles. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California. Eric graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.B.A. in Accountancy and played on the Division 1 men’s lacrosse team.
Prior to joining 38 Degrees North, Eric was an Investment Banking Analyst at Salem Partners where he performed sell-side M&A work across the industrial, real estate, and media sectors. Before that, Eric was an Associate in the alternative investments division of KPMG’s audit practice in Los Angeles. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California. Eric graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.B.A. in Accountancy and played on the Division 1 men’s lacrosse team.
Christen Safko
ASSOCIATE
Christen joined 38 Degrees North after pursuing her MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she focused on sustainability and entrepreneurship. Prior to MIT, Christen worked at BlackRock on their Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions team where she maintained primary equity research coverage for $3bn+ of client capital. While at BlackRock, she led the integration of ESG criteria into the team’s research methodology and deployed strategic investments within impact themes such as Renewable Energy and Circularity. Christen holds a B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt University and is a CFA charterholder.
Christen joined 38 Degrees North after pursuing her MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she focused on sustainability and entrepreneurship. Prior to MIT, Christen worked at BlackRock on their Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions team where she maintained primary equity research coverage for $3bn+ of client capital. While at BlackRock, she led the integration of ESG criteria into the team’s research methodology and deployed strategic investments within impact themes such as Renewable Energy and Circularity. Christen holds a B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt University and is a CFA charterholder.
Sam Van Dam
DIRECTOR OF ASSET MANAGEMENT
Sam brings over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector to 38 Degrees North. Prior to joining the team, Sam was a Director at Wells Fargo, where he was responsible for the management of a portfolio of over $1 billion of tax equity investments in wind and solar projects. Earlier in his career, Sam served in a variety of roles at SunEdison, DNV, and Pacific Gas & Electric, largely related to solar project development, engineering, and asset management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Sam brings over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector to 38 Degrees North. Prior to joining the team, Sam was a Director at Wells Fargo, where he was responsible for the management of a portfolio of over $1 billion of tax equity investments in wind and solar projects. Earlier in his career, Sam served in a variety of roles at SunEdison, DNV, and Pacific Gas & Electric, largely related to solar project development, engineering, and asset management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Dave Williams
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Dave Williams has been driving the growth of energy businesses globally for over two decades by facilitating the connection between private capital and energy technology. His recent roles include leadership positions in various global energy companies, as well as serving as a Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley and a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, where he was recognized for his innovative contributions to mission-driven finance and entrepreneurship. In the past, Dave has held influential roles such as Special Advisor at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory focusing on international climate finance, a Merit Reviewer for the Department of Energy, and a Senior Fellow with the US State Department. Dave's expertise spans climate change resilience, renewable energy development, social entrepreneurship, and a strong commitment to market-based mechanisms for global transformation. His innovative efforts were acknowledged when he was named as one of Time Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2005. Currently, Dave actively participates in various academic and non-profit committees in both emerging and established markets, contributing through board and advisory roles. His collaborations with US and international governments, financiers, and community advocates have been instrumental in launching pioneering energy projects and creating new markets worldwide. A notable achievement is co-founding Energy Peace Partners, a non-profit organization where he developed a unique environmental attribute that has successfully financed solar projects in climate-vulnerable, conflict-affected regions. Throughout his career, he has secured World Bank grants, raised corporate capital for several energy startups, managed project finance facilities, and developed clean energy projects globally, consistently focusing on leveraging private capital for public benefit.
Dave Williams has been driving the growth of energy businesses globally for over two decades by facilitating the connection between private capital and energy technology. His recent roles include leadership positions in various global energy companies, as well as serving as a Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley and a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, where he was recognized for his innovative contributions to mission-driven finance and entrepreneurship. In the past, Dave has held influential roles such as Special Advisor at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory focusing on international climate finance, a Merit Reviewer for the Department of Energy, and a Senior Fellow with the US State Department. Dave's expertise spans climate change resilience, renewable energy development, social entrepreneurship, and a strong commitment to market-based mechanisms for global transformation. His innovative efforts were acknowledged when he was named as one of Time Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2005. Currently, Dave actively participates in various academic and non-profit committees in both emerging and established markets, contributing through board and advisory roles. His collaborations with US and international governments, financiers, and community advocates have been instrumental in launching pioneering energy projects and creating new markets worldwide. A notable achievement is co-founding Energy Peace Partners, a non-profit organization where he developed a unique environmental attribute that has successfully financed solar projects in climate-vulnerable, conflict-affected regions. Throughout his career, he has secured World Bank grants, raised corporate capital for several energy startups, managed project finance facilities, and developed clean energy projects globally, consistently focusing on leveraging private capital for public benefit.
Jack Williams
ASSOCIATE
Jack joined 38 Degrees North after working as an analyst at the real estate investment firm Ballast Investments where he was an asset manager overseeing a large portfolio of multifamily housing in the Bay Area. Prior to Ballast, Jack was an analyst at Coastwood Partners, a private equity firm specializing in senior housing. Jack graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. in International Political Economy and ran for the varsity cross country and track teams.
Jack joined 38 Degrees North after working as an analyst at the real estate investment firm Ballast Investments where he was an asset manager overseeing a large portfolio of multifamily housing in the Bay Area. Prior to Ballast, Jack was an analyst at Coastwood Partners, a private equity firm specializing in senior housing. Jack graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. in International Political Economy and ran for the varsity cross country and track teams.
Board of Directors
Chris Bailey
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Chris has been an innovator in structured finance for solar energy since 2007, leading M&A transactions and developing financial products across public and private equity financings. Chris led capital markets at TerraForm Power, where he was responsible for raising over $3 billion associated with the IPO and follow on transactions. Prior to TerraForm, Chris led SunEdison’s North America structured finance activities where he oversaw over $5 billion of project financings. Chris was later a co-founder and CFO of PowerScout, a marketplace for smart home purchase decisions around sustainable energy products. Chris has a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Chris has been an innovator in structured finance for solar energy since 2007, leading M&A transactions and developing financial products across public and private equity financings. Chris led capital markets at TerraForm Power, where he was responsible for raising over $3 billion associated with the IPO and follow on transactions. Prior to TerraForm, Chris led SunEdison’s North America structured finance activities where he oversaw over $5 billion of project financings. Chris was later a co-founder and CFO of PowerScout, a marketplace for smart home purchase decisions around sustainable energy products. Chris has a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Ryan Bennett
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ryan has over 20 years of experience in solar, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage development and investing. Prior to founding 38 Degrees North, Ryan led project finance and capital formation for SunEdison's North American region. Ryan has previously held various development and investing positions in wind energy with Enron Wind, which was later sold to General Electric; Greenrock Capital, an early investor in solar opportunities; and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, a utility scale solar project developer that was acquired by SunEdison. Ryan has a B.A. in Geology from Colorado College and an M.B.A. and M.E.M. from Yale University.
Ryan has over 20 years of experience in solar, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage development and investing. Prior to founding 38 Degrees North, Ryan led project finance and capital formation for SunEdison's North American region. Ryan has previously held various development and investing positions in wind energy with Enron Wind, which was later sold to General Electric; Greenrock Capital, an early investor in solar opportunities; and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, a utility scale solar project developer that was acquired by SunEdison. Ryan has a B.A. in Geology from Colorado College and an M.B.A. and M.E.M. from Yale University.
Jake Carney
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jake has been an energy and finance professional since 2007. He was previously the Director and Head of C&I structured finance at SunEdison where he led approximately $650 million in C&I and $250 million in residential project financings. Prior to his time at SunEdison, Jake held roles in structured finance and project development in the wholesale and C&I market segments at BrightSource Energy, Agile Energy and Tioga Energy. Prior to his time in solar, Jake worked at Accenture as a management consultant to electric utilities and oil and gas companies. Jake has a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Jake has been an energy and finance professional since 2007. He was previously the Director and Head of C&I structured finance at SunEdison where he led approximately $650 million in C&I and $250 million in residential project financings. Prior to his time at SunEdison, Jake held roles in structured finance and project development in the wholesale and C&I market segments at BrightSource Energy, Agile Energy and Tioga Energy. Prior to his time in solar, Jake worked at Accenture as a management consultant to electric utilities and oil and gas companies. Jake has a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Priyanka Duvvuru
PRINCIPAL, S2G VENTURES
Priyanka Duvvuru is a Principal at S2G Ventures. She supports the firm’s clean energy investment strategy focused on investments into companies at the intersection of technology with infrastructure, industrials and clean energy, as well as development platforms focused on the energy transition. She joined S2G Ventures from Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners where she spent five years investing primarily in renewables, energy transition and water opportunities in the U.S. and Asia. Prior to Stonepeak, Priyanka was a developer at Clean Line Energy where she worked on developing long-distance merchant transmission lines to connect stranded renewable energy resources to population centers. She holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Energy and Water Sustainability from Rice University. Originally from Houston, Texas, Priyanka now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and dog and enjoys travelling, curling up with a good book and being outdoors as much as possible.
Priyanka Duvvuru is a Principal at S2G Ventures. She supports the firm’s clean energy investment strategy focused on investments into companies at the intersection of technology with infrastructure, industrials and clean energy, as well as development platforms focused on the energy transition. She joined S2G Ventures from Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners where she spent five years investing primarily in renewables, energy transition and water opportunities in the U.S. and Asia. Prior to Stonepeak, Priyanka was a developer at Clean Line Energy where she worked on developing long-distance merchant transmission lines to connect stranded renewable energy resources to population centers. She holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Energy and Water Sustainability from Rice University. Originally from Houston, Texas, Priyanka now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and dog and enjoys travelling, curling up with a good book and being outdoors as much as possible.
Bala Nagarajan
Bala Nagarajan is a Managing Director of the S2G Energy Investment team. Bala has over 15 years of experience in the Energy sector originating and executing transactions across the globe. Prior to joining S2G, Bala served as a Managing Director at NextEra Energy, where he led the Climate Tech Ventures team. Before NextEra, Bala helped set up Equinor's clean energy fund in London and relocated to New York City in 2018 to lead their Americas team. Prior to that, Bala was the Co-founder and CEO of Dawn Energy, a renewable energy development platform in the UK. His prior experiences include roles with PwC, Arthur Andersen, Citigroup, Lehman Brothers, and Huck Capital. Bala is a Chartered Accountant from India and an MBA graduate from IESE Business School, Spain.
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